Menu

Splatterhouse

going through my extensive collection of video games, I came across one in particular that I haven’t played in a long time, but definitely feel the need to start up again: SPLATTERHOUSE. it’s a horror stylized game which I think deserves more praise than it probably actually received on launch. Although I know there was already three classic SPLATTERHOUSE games, the version I’m going to be talking about is the 2010 remake for Xbox360/Playstation3. As with the movies I talk about, take it as a general rule that there will be spoilers about. So put on your Terror Masks and hold on tight Rick-o, cause this is gonna be a fucking bloodbath!

In game, you follow the story of Rick Taylor and his girlfriend Jennifer. [above] They’re on their way to what can only be described as the creepiest [but coolest] looking mansion, as Jennifer was offered an internship with the [evil] scientist inside. When the two lovers arrive, they are almost immediately attacked by these grossly disfigured beasts, and Jennifer is taken away; all while Rick — that’s you — is blacking out in a puddle of your own blood, left for dead.

When you finally come to, [granted, you’re on the verge of death..] you hear a voice calling Rick‘s name; reminding him that Jennifer needs his help, and the only way to save her is to put the Terror Mask [as seen above] on. The mask, which you learn was the one talking, mentions that you’re going to go through a painful transformation; but you’ll be given the power to save your love. The twist is, you have to kill the monstrous beasts from earlier — along with many others, collecting their blood. [you know, cause the mask asked you to; completely normal] when Rick puts the mask on, he completely changes.. into this new “form” :

Only then do you get to pick up your controller actually and play, starting with the objective of killing a bunch of monsters! [everything mentioned above is the opening cutscene] the story of the game is fairly extreme, with tie-ins to other horror films! one particular level — in the boiler room, if you look carefully enough you can actually see a Freddy glove on top of a furnace, making it my favorite little easter egg in game. There’s also a lot of reference to The Wicker Man[the original film, sorry Nic Cage!] especially during the game’s final cutscene.

There’s also a fuck-ton of collectibles too, like different weapons, references to the original three 16bit SPLATTERHOUSE games, [which you actually unlock after beat the main story, which is fucking awesome!] and saving the best for last — Jennifer‘s pictures. For those who haven’t played SPLATTERHOUSE, one thing you’ll notice during cutscenes is that Jennifer seems to love taking pictures of herself with Rick, but it also seems of herself. As you collect pieces of her pictures in the different levels [you have to find them, sometimes they’re hidden!] you piece together her ‘shots’. as you unlock more and more pieces, they become fairly NSFW as well! what do I mean? let me just show you: [there is over 10 pictures to complete]

So in the end, SPLATTERHOUSE is a fucking awesome game — especially for us horror fans. The boss battles are extremely violent, the kills are gorier than even some movies I’ve seen, and the references to cult classics just make the game even more enjoyable. If those three reasons aren’t enough, there’s unlockable boobs, and classic 16bit games to play too. Join me for my next edition of “horror gaming” when I tackle a game that friends have asked me loads about — the infamous SAW games. [also available on Xbox360/Playstion3]